Sleepless in Seattle—The Trip

If you’re sleepless, go to Seattle.  There’s so much to enjoy in the Emerald City that if you don’t sleep, you can discover it all—as I learned over the holidays.  Here are some highlights of a trip to this City on Elliot Bay!

Going to the Public Market to see the fishmongers handle the live fish so quickly the gilled critters “fly”.

Walking to Pioneer Square, the old heart of the city.  Although with the totem pole, maybe it should be called “Totem Pole Square”, just a suggestion…

Visiting the new Seattle Central Library designed by award-winning Dutch architect, Rem Koolhaas.  I relished being inside this inspiring, light-infused glass space.  Judging by the number of people using the library they felt the same way.  Or else Seattle has a whole lot of homeless people…

Experiencing the Space Needle.  It’s so touristy, cliché and completely silly but going to the Space Needle for lunch was... a major highlight!  Despite the clouds, the 360 degree views of the city, bay, boats and planes were stunning and—bonus!—the food matched the views.

Seeing the King Tut Exhibit at the Pacific Science Center.  This huge, fabulous exhibition included some very fine pieces of Ancient Egyptian art.  The exhibit recreated the Boy Pharaoh’s tomb—complete with Antechamber, Annex, Burial Chamber and Treasury Room—just as it was when British archeologist, Howard Carter, discovered it in 1922, more than 3,000 years after it had been sealed.  Many of the items originally found in these four chambers were on view in simulated rooms, which meant moving through the exhibit I felt like Mr. Carter himself.  To borrow a phrase: it was “bloody” impressive.

Doing yoga in the park with a friend.

I also drank coffee, walked in the rain and… drank more coffee.  If these sights won’t keep you up in Seattle, the caffeine definitely will. 

So go, get yourself to Seattle!  And bring an umbrella!